Patiño Fellows Admitted to SCOTUS Bar on Historic Day at the High Court

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, just before the Justices heard arguments in what is likely the highest profile case of the year – United States vs. Skrmetti – nine Tony Patiño Fellows were admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. This honor grants Fellows the opportunity to argue and participate in cases before the high court.
Also admitted to the SCOTUS bar on Wednesday was the named respondent in the case, Tennessee Attorney General, Jonathan Skrmetti.

The admitted Fellows include Kelsey L. Campbell (UC Law SF ’18), Shana Chung (UC Law SF ’88), Dave Finkel (Chicago ’21), Daniel Galindo (UC Law SF ’18), Alexandra Grayner (UC Law SF ’12), Karlyn Hunter (Columbia ’99), Neha Nigam (Chicago ’17), Grisel Ruiz (Chicago ’09), and Tanvir Vahora (Columbia ’11).

Following their admission to the SCOTUS bar, Fellows were treated to a nearly front-row seat in the oral arguments in the case United States v. Skrmetti, which addresses Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender teenagers.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, in what may be her final argument as SG, shared the floor with attorney Chase Strangio of the ACLU, the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the high court. Fellow Daniel Galindo described the experience as unforgettable. “We were treated to the most incredible of treats to see Prelogar argue. I hope that other Patiño Fellows after us might have the same pleasure and once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Following the oral arguments, Fellows had a private tour of the Library of Congress. The day was facilitated by the commitment of Fellow Mainon Schwartz (Columbia ’08), who made this unique opportunity possible.

Pictured left to right: Kelsey Campbell, Daniel Galindo, Grisel Ruiz, Tanvir Vahora, Shana Chung, Mainon Schwartz, Neha Nigam, Alexandra Grayner, David Finkel, Karlyn Hunter.